Marriage Encounter presenting team gathers in Alaska: Mel and Cheryl Evers of Hillsboro; Bishop William Skylstad; Bill and Sherry Tunilla of Anchorage, Alaska; and Jack and Jo Rich of Philomath.

Some Catholic couples from Oregon have traveled the globe to promote healthy marriage.

Ron and Hillary Tesch of Tualatin, Cheryl and Mel Evers of Hillsboro and John and La Vonne Doherty of North Portland, leaders in Worldwide Marriage Encounter, in September went to the Vatican where their organization was recognized by Pope Francis.

WILSONVILLE — Archdiocese of Portland priests active in labor issues have joined lay leaders to form a committee to help equip clergy to respond to labor problems — all in the context of Catholic social teaching. Called the Church and Social Justice Committee, the group focuses on issues they say affect parishioners, such as minimum wage laws, wage theft and the right of workers to organize. Thursday, December 8, 2016

Some Catholic couples from Oregon have traveled the globe to promote healthy marriage.

Ron and Hillary Tesch of Tualatin, Cheryl and Mel Evers of Hillsboro and John and La Vonne Doherty of North Portland, leaders in Worldwide Marriage Encounter, in September went to the Vatican where their organization was recognized by Pope Francis.

With the rush of the Christmas season tapping at the door, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon are offering an Advent Retreat to help remind the faithful of the blessings that come as we wait with Mary for the birth of our greatest blessing.Friday, December 2, 2016

The local church in western Oregon recently had a marvelous experience of what it means to be the Body of Christ in mission for the sake of the Gospel. When we use the term “local church,” we are speaking of the diocesan church under the leadership of the bishop, including all members united as one (priests, deacons, laity and consecrated religious). The experience to which I am referring was our Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly.Tuesday, November 15, 2016

The Church must be ready and willing, as Pope Francis has exhorted us, to accompany people on their spiritual journey. But the Church must always remain faithful to her mission and to her Savior in proposing the path that leads to true happiness, holiness, peace and joy.Sunday, October 23, 2016

We need to see these “if onlys” as the particular cross that we are called to bear at this time in our life. It is precisely these crosses that help mold and strengthen us in our Christian lives and witness. These crosses are the path to true holiness.Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Faith communities are rediscovering the theology of hospitality and it is highly related to all of our ministries. We no longer lukewarmly welcome visitors, but enthusiastically expect them. Instead of simply trying to fit them in, we need to plan for the stranger.Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Our celebration is a pledge to unite men and women. It is a pledge to acknowledge our unity in the Risen Lord even at a time when our disunity is manifest whenever we read the daily newspaper or tune in the evening news.Wednesday, June 29, 2016